2026 Cincinnati NFL Draft Watch: Bearcats TE Scrapping His Way To The Top Of Big Boards

Cincinnati big-play pass-catcher is also a bonafide blocker, drawing mass appeal amongst NFL scouts. Plus, a look at the Bearcats top draft-eligible prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.

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2026 NFL Draft Rankings: S || CB || LB || ER || DT || C || OG || OT || TE || WR || RB || QB

TOP 10 CINCINNATI PROSPECTS FOR 2026

Location: Cincinnati, OH|| Conference: BIG XII || Head Coach: Scott Satterfield (2 years: 8-16; Overall: 80-56) || NFL Draft Picks Under Satterfield: 2 (1/year) || NFL First Round Picks Under Satterfield: 0 || Bearcats in NFL: 27 || [Report By Ryan Paglia]

1. Joe Royer, TE, rSr, #11, 6045, 252, 4.79e, Cincinnati, OH

Evaluation: After posting 50 catches that resulted in 521 yards and three scores in 2024, Joe Royer is entering the 2025 season with a mission to establish himself as a top five tight end in the 2026 draft class. Standing at six feet five inches, the redshirt senior presents himself as a massive security blanket for any quarterback. However, over the course of the 2024 season, Royer proved he can be a big play threat. Already a savvy route runner, the former Ohio State transfer knows how to manipulate defenders using his swiftness in-and-out of breaks and find gaps in zone coverages that allows him to consistently be open. There is further development needed in the sharpness of his routes as he will occasionally round off his breaks but he shows promise in being a route-running specialist. In addition to his route running, Royer possesses a very instinctive feel for catching the ball and shielding it from defenders. He is a persistent hands catcher that repeatedly plucks the ball out of the air and away from his body. Unlike many other modern vertical receiving threats at the tight end position, the veteran will also show an eagerness to contribute in the run game. He is no stranger to playing in-line and getting his hands messy. Although there is growth needed in that area, it does not negate his effort as an in-line blocker. Going into the 2025 season, Royer is seen as an early Day three prospect in the draft but with another productive season he can jump into Day two conversations. (photo: Cincinnati Athletics)